Government R&D Adjusts Pace Amid COVID-19

by Hwang Junho

Published 16 Apr.2020 16:00(KST)

▲A CEVI researcher is conducting an experiment in the laboratory. [Photo by Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology]

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] In response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the government has taken steps to slow down government R&D activities to alleviate delays in research and the burden of research fund execution. The government is implementing the 'COVID-19 Response Research and Development (R&D) Guidelines Phase 2,' which includes expanding flexibility in research fund execution and extending research periods.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced these guidelines on the 16th to support researchers participating in government R&D projects in the science and technology sector in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis. These guidelines were prepared to address difficulties such as the inability to fulfill research plans and challenges in executing research funds arising from the crisis caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in research sites conducting government R&D.

First, the government decided to expand flexibility in research fund execution. It will, in principle, allow the carryover of research funds so that research activities can continue until the COVID-19 crisis level is lowered. This measure aims to prevent the premature recovery of research funds due to delays in equipment procurement deadlines or low direct cost execution. If the procurement of research equipment is inevitably delayed or the research period is extended, the equipment procurement deadline will be extended to allow the continuation of research. However, this measure applies only to essential research equipment, and the procurement deadline can be extended until the COVID-19 crisis level is lowered.

The government also supports an environment where researchers can focus on their research regardless of COVID-19. If long-term research activities are impossible due to COVID-19, researchers can change their research plans or review the project until its completion. When face-to-face progress is difficult in domestic and international education, international cooperation, or commercialization, online platforms can be utilized. Additionally, costs for purchasing hand sanitizers, masks, and similar items can be paid from laboratory operating expenses, and if these costs are within 5% of direct costs, settlement is exempted.

Furthermore, the government has added support measures for corporate R&D. For companies affected by COVID-19, the government will temporarily ease the burden of liquidated damages imposed by government-funded research institutes on companies (penalties imposed when delivery contracts under procurement contracts are delayed). Facilities such as BSL-3 biological safety labs and supercomputers will be opened to companies, and usage fees and shared facility costs for companies residing in government-funded research institutes will be reduced.

Jung Byung-seon, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "Many researchers are dedicating themselves to research on-site today to overcome the crisis caused by COVID-19 and to achieve economic re-leap. Even in the crisis situation caused by COVID-19, we will continuously discover and promote support measures in the science and technology sector so that researchers can focus on their research free from administrative burdens."